Arkansas got revenge against LSU with a 70-58 win over the Tigers at Bud Walton Arena. The Razorbacks are now 4-2 in their last six games after starting 0-5 in conference play. Zvonimir Ivišić delivered another standout performance to help lift the Hogs over the Tigers.
Game Summary
The Hogs took a few possessions to get going, allowing LSU to jump out to a 5-0 lead in the first two minutes. Arkansas and LSU remained neck and neck for most of the first half. The Razorbacks shot 44.8% from the field, 28.6% from three-point range, and 66.7% from the free-throw line, while the Tigers shot 41.7% from the field, 28.6% from deep, and just 25% from the foul line. In the closing seconds of the half, LSU’s Vyctorius Miller hit a three-pointer to give the Tigers a 35-34 lead at halftime.
The second half started similarly, with neither team gaining much separation. With about 15 minutes remaining, the Hogs rode the momentum of the home crowd and began pulling away. Thanks to another dominant all-around performance from Ivišić, Arkansas secured a 70-58 victory in Fayetteville.
Who Stood Out for Arkansas
Ivišić delivered back-to-back stellar performances, making a major impact on both ends of the floor. He scored a team-high 25 points on 10-of-13 shooting, including 3-of-5 from three-point range. Along with his scoring, Ivišić added four blocks, three rebounds, and a steal. Over his last two games, he has totaled 52 points, seven blocks, and four steals.
“We’re taking advantage of his skill set,” assistant coach Chin Coleman said. “Z is a unique individual in terms of his size, his skill, his ability at 7-2 and able to play on the inside and outside. He’s probably one of the better three-point shooters in the country, definitely in our league.”
DJ Wagner has taken on more responsibility facilitating the offense following Boogie Fland’s potentially season-ending injury. Wagner created shots for himself and his teammates, finishing with 10 points on 4-of-8 shooting, along with seven assists and three rebounds.
“I think that for us to do what we’re trying to do this season,” Coleman said, “we’re going to need DJ to lead us, and he’s playing well.”
Looking Ahead
The Razorbacks hit the road once again, traveling to College Station to face No. 8 Texas A&M at Reed Arena on Feb. 15. Tipoff is set for 11 a.m. CST on ESPN.